Dog Walking Etiquette: warning, kind of a rant

I am going to do my best not to sound like an angry old man while typing this public service rant. But no promises.

To the little dog owners:

Housewives of Orange County, WHY must you let you little dog go ballistic on a retractable leash one foot away from my big dog? WHY???? Besides being inconsiderate and rude, what do you think it teaches big dogs? Being exposed to little things that curse you out every time you pass might make you want to kill those little things. And guess what…if my big dog did that to you and your little fluff ball of perfection, you would look at me like I was a child molester. Seriously, I know you would. So please, get Prada as close to you as possible when you know she is going to be a straight up asshole when I walk by. And get some training will you? The whole neighborhood would appreciate not hearing her shriek every time she sees a dog within a half mile.

To the people who let their dog approach without asking:

We raise children with the knowledge that they must ask before approaching a strange dog. Somehow, this concept is lost on dog owners. Look, if I am walking straight ahead, avoiding eye contact, have my dog on the opposite side of you, and am not slowing down as I approach you, you can bet I have no wish to let your 100lb Bruno charge up to my old dog who will likely bite him in the face for that charge. Please, just ask. That’s all. Not all dogs want to hang out with all other dogs. That’s right, my old dog does NOT want your puppy in his face. If you were seventy years old would you want a sixteen-year old kid slamming into you? I didn’t think so. The street, harbor, and beach path are not dog parks so please stop treating them like one.

Sarah Prelle

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OMG. Yes. I run into people who off leash their dogs – damn it I have had to punch and kick their dogs in the face – they still do the off leash., I have a MinPin who has been exposed to crazy ass violent acting dogs – bless his heart. So now I just do a command to sit and we wait for the ass hats to wander away. I’m a big guy and I swear I will loose my shit if your big dog or tiny little flea bag (unlicensed and untrained) attempts to bite my dog. Why do I have to put up with bad owners. My dog LOVES meeting new friends (just do not try to grab his head) and will be more than happy to have you kindly touch him.but your screaming kids? No. You and your off leash animals need to not go into public areas. My dog KNOWS you are either on a long leash or off leash and will react if he thinks you might threaten him… My gawd it happens every single damn day now. I’m getting fed up.

THANK. YOU. A few years ago I fostered an akita mix who did NOT get along with other dogs. Walking him during the day was like playing roulette with all the off-leash dogs and their moron owners who would say “oh don’t worry, he’s FRIENDLY” as my charge tried to bite their dog. I usually had to wait until evening to walk him because most of the idiots were indoors by then. Even now, when I take my son to the park (which has very clear leash laws placed where everyone can see them) there are unleashed dogs everywhere, even though there is a dog park literally two miles away. I have no way of knowing if your dog, who is currently running top speed toward my child and scaring the bejeezus out of him, is friendly. And I would hazard a guess that you would be pretty pissed off if my kid charged at your dog and scared it. Manners go both ways. I’ve taught my kids to be respectful to the people and pets around them and I expect you to teach your pet the same if you’re going to bring them to a public place.

And for the love of God, stop leaving your poop baggies on the sidewalk. It really isn’t that difficult to carry them to a trash can.